The Hills are Alive

Day 20 -Chatillon-Sur-Seine/Bethune

S did feel a little delicate this morning but was unsure as to whether it was the gut rot wine or the food. I’m pretty sure I know which one it was.

We had a quick breakfast at our abode. I had a Belgian croissant which was a revelation. Far superior to French ones.

We dropped into the local Intermarché and bought a few bottles of wine to take home with us. We have found that the less touristy the town, the cheaper Intermarche sells its wine. You’re welcome.

We filled up with petrol then got on our way.

We have noticed that some towns and villages have their name signs upside down. Apparently this is a protest by farmers who are fed up with higher taxes and delays in the government paying their subsidies. Jeremy Clarkson – you know what to do.

We didn’t get on the motorway straight away so we drove along the cremant route, progressing to the champagne route. It all has a feel of the Bulgarian rose fields in that there really aren’t that many vines in the fields now, more corn and other produce farmers can get a generous subsidy for. Still, it’s all very pretty.

On our journey to Bethune, we had a bit of rain. A reminder that the sun doesn’t always shine. It’s strange how quickly you get used to feeling warm and having blue skies everyday.

And so to our last overnight stop. This time we are staying in a town called Bethune and our accommodation is in an old people’s home. Yup. A company called DOMITY run homes for the elderly and any apartments going spare can be found on booking.com as accommodation for holiday makers/over nighters.

I’m not sure how the residents feel about this but the apartment is very spacious and with access to a gym, sauna and pool, we were happy.

We went for a quick potter around the park which was great until I trod in a massive pile of dog shit. Right in the middle of the path. Honestly, what is it with French dog owners? It’s not even as though they make an attempt to get the dog to crap on the grass! Vile. My trainers were so covered they needed to be hosed down, I certainly couldn’t take them into a place with vulnerable people, plus they stank. I did the only thing I could do – threw them away. That sounds very dramatic I know. They did have a hole in them, but still. And yet again I had to stuff them into a bin somewhere antisocial as what recycling category does a pair of trainers covered in shit come under?

After a quick workout in the gym (don’t worry, I have another pair of trainers with me for just such an occasion) and a shower, it was time to hit the town for some food.

After yesterday, I booked a restaurant in advance that appeared to be open and had some reasonable reviews. After a bit of confusion the restaurant confirmed they did indeed have our reservation and pointed us upstairs. It was a big dining area with one other lot of people in it. Gawd, we can’t seem to get this restaurant business right.

As it happened our meal was very tasty and the young lady that served us was very personable.

Afterwards we had a quick wander around the town square which is fabulous. Probably the most lively place we’ve been in France, lots of people were out and about. The most popular place was the pub called “the Kerry yob”. Bethune old town exceeded our expectations by far.

Tomorrow it’s to Calais and home. I’ve got everything crossed that it’ll be a lot easier than last time’s crazy dash to get on the ferry….